Silver Falls, Apsara Vihar, Panchali Kund

I am writing about these three places in one blog post because all three are located close to each other. They are generally covered in a single trek. Gypsy takes you till a point from where you will trek for about an hour to reach Silver falls (also called Rajat Prapat). From there again it will be small amount of trekking to reach Apsara Vihar and Panchali Kund.

Silver falls is located at a beautiful location, close to a gorge, facing a valley and lush green mountains. Silver falls (Rajat Prapat) fall from a good height and sparkle because it gets to see the Sun unhindered. Silver falls derives its name from this sparkling.

From Silver falls you do a little bit of trekking to reach Apsara Vihar which is upstream of Silver falls. Apsara Vihar is naturally formed small pool of water surrounded by mountains. It is slightly tough to reach down to this pool as it would need good balancing of body while trekking down. Do take a dip or two in this spring water, it is rejuvinating.

Uphill as you go from Apsara Vihar you come across five waterfalls all in the same stream. Though dwarf, they make a pleasant watch.

Pachmarhi

Verdant valleys, majestic mountains, serene woods, clean air, if all these with a tint of adventure appeal to you, then Pachmarhi is waiting for you. This small and beautiful town is the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, though Madhya Pradesh has many other gems to offer. Situated at a height of about 3,500 feet above sea level in the beautiful mountain ranges of Satpura, Pachmarhi is a part of Satpura Tiger Reserve. Pachmarhi is home to a number of waterfalls, though not voluminous, few of them possess admirable heights. 

There are many places in Pachmarhi which provide you with panoramic views of mountains and valleys. One such beautiful place is Dhoopgarh which is the highest point of Pachmarhi and also the highest point of Madhya Pradesh. At Dhoopgarh apart from getting amazing views of mountains and valleys you get to see beautiful sunset.

As Pachmarhi falls in protected area, farming is not allowed in this town and the large amount of adjoining area; tourism is the major source of income here. It would be more enjoyable to put up at some resort or tourist bungalow away from the market area, close to the forest; there you will be able to soak yourself in the beauty and tranquility of forest during your entire stay (MP tourism owns many such properties in the outskirts). When in Pachmarhi one has to be ready for travelling on bumpy roads and doing some amount of trekking. Gypsies, the only vehicle allowed for sightseeing, take you as close as possible to the spot but at many places, due to the mountainous terrain, some path is not motorable.

How to reach? Pachmarhi is 210 kms. away from Bhopal (state capital). The nearest railhead is at Pipariya which is 47 kms. downhill; Pipariya is located on Itarsi-Jabalpur rail line. Bhopal airport is the nearest airport.

The upcoming posts will carry details about places to see in Pachmarhi.